Shailene Woodley and Mars Team Up to Promote Pet Adoption's Transformative Power

The Heartwarming Campaign of Shailene Woodley with Mars and Calm

In a remarkable initiative, actress Shailene Woodley has joined forces with Mars, a leading name in pet care, and the mental health platform Calm, to shine a light on how adopting a pet can transform lives—both for the adopted animal and its human companion. With an estimated 16 million dogs and cats in shelters worldwide waiting for loving homes, this partnership aims to advocate for pet adoption during the upcoming Global Adoption Weekend from October 3 to 5, 2025.

Recent global surveys commissioned by Mars and Calm have revealed some heartening statistics: a significant 83% of pet owners believe that having a pet has positively impacted their mental well-being. This survey underscores not just the joy pets bring, but also their crucial role in enhancing the emotional health of their owners. The collaboration intends to illustrate the emotional connection that can blossom between humans and their four-legged friends, showcasing the mutual benefits of such bonds.

Shailene Woodley's Personal Journey

Woodley, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, shares her own experiences with her rescued cats. "My rescued cats have changed my world. They bring me peace during hectic filming schedules and remind me to breathe, slow down, and enjoy the moment. I want more people to realize that adopting a pet is not just a compassionate act towards the animal, but also an act of self-care," she expressed.

This sentiment mirrors findings from scientific studies indicating that spending time with pets can elevate levels of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—hormones associated with happiness and relaxation. Notably, the emotional rewards of pet ownership also extend beyond humans; studies show that dogs exhibit greater confidence and cats demonstrate signs of attachment and relaxation within months of adoption.

The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

According to Dr. Alea Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Banfield, the bond between people and their pets profoundly influences mental well-being. "The initial days with a new pet are pivotal for developing mutual understanding," she notes. "Pursuing this companionship requires patience and care, but once established, the relationship can bring immense joy and fulfillment."

The Global Adoption Weekend will see Mars actively facilitating pet adoptions across more than 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. Partnering with animal shelters and community organizations, the agenda aims to unite more people and pets in need of homes, advancing the message of compassion and care.

Initiatives to Support New Pet Owners

Mars plans to take various actions to encourage adoption, including waiving adoption fees for pets during the event, offering financial grants to shelters, and supporting local initiatives. In the USA, Mars is set to cover approximately $185,000 in adoption fees across 21 cities, while additional support includes providing new pet owners with a six-month supply of pet food in Poland and donating 33,000 meals for shelter animals in the Philippines. Furthermore, to help adoptive pet owners transition smoothly into their new roles, Mars and Calm are providing free three-month memberships to Calm.

To complement these efforts, Woodley has contributed to a new audio experience called 'Finding Four-Legged Friends', a soothing bedtime story available exclusively on Calm, inspired by her personal journey with animal companionship. This story is part of a broader collection designed to assist pet owners in finding peace and relaxation through mindfulness practices and meditations, making the transition into pet ownership a more fulfilling journey.

Conclusion

As we approach the Global Adoption Weekend, both Shailene Woodley and Mars emphasize the significance of recognizing the emotional benefits that pets bring into our lives. By encouraging adoption, they aim to not only change the lives of animals waiting in shelters but also to enrich the lives of families and individuals, promoting a deeper understanding of the joy and support these animal companions can provide. To explore these initiatives further, please visit kinship.com/petsandwellbeing and follow Mars's journey on social media through @marsglobal. This heartwarming campaign serves as a reminder of how compassion can ripple through communities and transform lives, one paw at a time.